In the first case, del Toro turned in a script for "Justice League Dark," otherwise known as "Dark Universe," back in November. According to him, the studio loved his work, but apparently just a bit too much. "Warners liked the script, they were very enthusiastic and wanted to green-light it but they wanted it to coincide with the shoot of 'Pacific Rim 2,'" he told the Beast. "I was put in a very difficult place facing a difficult choice, and I chose to do 'Pacific Rim 2.'"

There's still a chance that WB and DC Comics will seek out another director for the film. However, del Toro choosing to do his "Pacific Rim" sequel actually gives "Hellboy 3" another shot at life.

Part of what's held up the final piece of the "Hellboy" theatrical trilogy has been budget. "The hard fact is that the movie's going to need about $120 million and there's nobody knocking down our doors to give it to us," he said. "It's a little beyond Kickstarter." He added, "It would be great to complete the trilogy. But in a way I don't see the world-the industry-supporting that idea."

However, "the industry" may change their tune if "Pacific Rim 2" is a big hit. del Toro told The Daily Beast that Legendary Pictures had said they'd be more willing to consider a new "Hellboy" movie if his next Kaiju-smashing sequel becomes a box office smash.

"But you know, Ron is no spring chicken, so we'd better get to it before Hellboy has to do everything from a Barcalounger," del Toro joked. He paused before adding, "I would watch that."

Hollywood's a complicated place, and the requirements of one film can affect a filmmaker's future projects for years. "Pacific Rim 2" clearly has some far reaching implications beyond just the destruction of some Jaegers and Kaijus.